Conditional

Potbelly Sandwich Works

303 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60606

Restaurant ZIP 60606 Risk 1 (High)

Pass with Conditions · as of Apr 29, 2026

Potbelly Sandwich Works was last inspected on April 29, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 3 violations, 1 of them critical.

Latest inspection

April 29, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

1 critical2 general
  • CriticalFood temperature

    Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

    Inspector’s note: Observed front service line area small line cooler in poor repair, internal ambient air temperature of 50.5f at time of inspection. Person-in-charge aware of inadequate cold-holding equipment and tagged cooler with signage instructing staff not to use prior to inspector arrival. Tagged equipment with instructions to contact cdph once equipment is repaired or replaced and prior to use. Priority violation. 7-38-005 no citation issued.

    Official wording (code 33)

    Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

  • GeneralFood handling

    Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

    Inspector’s note: Observed clean equipment stored directly next to handwashing sink at the warewashing area. Instructed to relocate clean equipment or provide barrier between handwashing sink basin and clean equipment storage to prevent contamination and maintain all clean equipment where it is not at risk of contamination from splash or spillage.

    Official wording (code 44)

    Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed floor beneath shelving in the walk-in cooler and rear dry storage hallway areas to be soiled with dried food debris and other soils. Instructed to clean floors and other physical facilities at adequate frequency to prevent build up of dried food debris and other soils and maintain.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

21 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no hand signage at the hand sink in the employee toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in the employee toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed unused/broken two-door cooler stored in the rear food prep area. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment to prevent pest harborage.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed prep cooler cutting boards in front prep area and food service hotline discolored with deep grooves. Instructed to resurface and maintain or replace.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Found inside garbage receptacle without lid. Instructed manager to provide.

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

  5. Fail

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Fail

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Found employee toiletroom handwashing sink water temperature at 68f at time of inspection. Must provide a minimum cold water temperature of 100f at all times. Priority violation.7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed prep cooler cutting boards in front prep area and food service hotline discolored with deep grooves. Instructed to resurface and maintain or replace.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Found inside garbage receptacle without lid. Instructed manager to provide.

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

  6. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

      Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

      Inspector’s note: Found employee toiletroom handwashing sink water temperature at 68f at time of inspection. Must provide a minimum cold water temperature of 100f at all times. Priority violation.7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 10)

      Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Found time/temperature control for safety foods( eggs, chicken, salad) at improper cold holding temperatures ranging from 47f- 54f located in reach cooler. Instructed manager to discard. Must maintain a minimum cold holding temperature at 41f. Instructed manager to provide. Priority. 7-38-005.citation issued

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: Found two reach in coolers located on hot line at temperatures ranging from 50.8f - 47f. Cooler must maintain a proper cold holding temperature of 41f or below at all times. Reach in cooler tagged and held for inspection by the chicago department of public health and may not be used until the walk in cooler is re-inspected by cdph and maintaining a proper cold holding temperature for 41f or below. Priority violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed prep cooler cutting boards in front prep area and food service hotline discolored with deep grooves. Instructed to resurface and maintain or replace.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Found inside garbage receptacle without lid. Instructed manager to provide.

      Official wording (code 54)

      Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

  7. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  8. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed dried food debris on exterior surfaces of all equipment throughout front prep area. Instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed heavy clutter throughout establishment on shelves, floors inside equipment and in storage areas. Instructed to detail clean, organize and remove all unnecessary or unused articles and equipment to prevent hiding places for pest and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the wall behind the chest freezer and the stair rails paint to be chipped. Instructed to repair and maintain the wall behind the chest freezer and stair rails.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the light bulb in the rear 2 door cooler to be out. Instructed to replace the light bulb in the rear 2 door cooler.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical7 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

      Inspector’s note: Observed ready to eat, temperature control for safety foods (chicken, salsa, rice)not properly dated , stored longer than 24 hours in coolers. Instructed to provide proper date marking with disposition date for rte foods prepared on site and held over 24 hours in cold holding unit. Priority foundation violation. No citation issued. 7-38-005

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Observed a pest control fly lamp stored above the food dish storage rack where clean food dishes are stored. Instructed to remove the pest control fly lamp in the rear prep area.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no splashguard between exposed hand sink and 3 compartment sink. Must install and maintain a washable splashguard.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed broken door gaskets on the 2 door reach-in cooler. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain the door gaskets on the 2 door reach-in cooler.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the wall behind the chest freezer and the stair rails paint to be chipped. Instructed to repair and maintain the wall behind the chest freezer and stair rails.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Noted heavy clutter throughout establishment on shelves, floors inside equipment and in storage areas. Instructed to detail clean, organize and remove all unnecessary or unused articles and equipment to prevent hiding places for pest. Must upgrade housing keeping.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the light bulb in the rear 2 door cooler to be out. Instructed to replace the light bulb in the rear 2 door cooler.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed the light bulbs in rear food prep area to not shielded. Instructed to provide light bulb shield on all light bulbs in the rear food prep area.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  10. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling tiles not clean of debris in rear prep/ dish washing area. Instructed to clean/maintain or replace.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: No adeqaute lighting in walk in cooler and rear prep area. Instructed to provide.

  11. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed floors thru out with accumulated food and dirt debris. Instructed to clean along the walls and in all corners, under 3 compartment sink and around hot water heater, also under and in between all refrigeration and freezer units as well as in the walk in cooler.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed walls with accumulated food debris located behind refrigeration units in the front food prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

  12. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed stairs leading to dish washing/prep area and stairs in dish washing area has heavy build-up of debris.must detail clean all stairs.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed unclean ceiling tiles walls in rear dish wasing /prep area through out.must clean walls/maintain and must clean or replace ceiling tiles that cannot be cleaned.

  13. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Top lid of prep cooler by walk in cooler in poor repair on right side,(missing screw).must repair. Also right door of cooler in rear prep in poor repair. Must repair door.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Exterior of prep coolers not clean.must clean/maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: No mop sink.must install.

  14. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and sanitize all interior panels at all corners of the reach-in top cooler doors at the front prep area to remove accumulated food debri and crumbs. Must remove excessive frost/ice build-up at the ice cream freezer in the front prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Must seal hole at floor in front of the door across from the counter service area where the pickles in a jar are being stored to prevent pest entry.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Must seal hole at wall just above the floor (ceiling to floor window) in front of and across from the counter service area where the pickles in a jar are being stored to prevent pest entry.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Must replace missing light shield at light fixture above the 3-comp sink.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must adjust the temperature valve at the staff restroom hand sink so as to be 85f for minimum of 15 secs. Also repair leaky faucet at the front prep area exposed hand sink.

  15. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Chest freezer lid at rear prep area in poor repair. Must replace/repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Clean/sanitize prep table at upper rear prep area around/under meat slicer. Clean interior botttom of reach-in cooler at rear and cold holding units at front prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Detail clean floors at prep area, upper rear prep area, under storage rack and 3-comp sink and in walk-in cooler. Must clean/sanitize and maintain at all times. Repair missing grout at floor tiles/coving to prevent pest harborage and activity.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Clean vents at ceiling above reach-in cooler of dust build-up at rear.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Remove clutter at rear prep area where necessary, organize and maintain at all times.

  16. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Must clean interior of reach in cooler at the rear prep area to remove spills.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning in the rear prep area and inside the walk in cooler to remove spills and debris.

  17. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    No violations

  18. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. SANDWICH PREP LINE COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL AT PREP AREA BEHIND SOUP HEATER TABLE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNCLEAN WALL.

  19. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & AREAS AROUND THEM MUST BE FREE OD DUST BUILD-UP. ALSO MUST RE-CAULK AROUND 3-COMP SINK SPLASHGUARDS & WALL.

  20. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR COOLER, MUST PROVIDE.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & AREAS AROUND THEM MUST BE FREE OF DUST-BUILD-UP.

More in ZIP 60606

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 6 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.